Have a Good Week and Happy Holidays!

We are looking forward to our field trip this Monday to the Shedd Aquarium!  Take a look at what else we will be working on this week of 12-19-11.  Best wishes for a great week and a wonderful holiday season!




In Word Work, we will define and discuss important words in the novel Ninth Ward. Students will use context clues and the dictionary to determine the meanings of the words.  In literature study, we will continue to read and discuss Ninth Ward. Students will also go deeper with their understanding of visualization as we act out parts of the novel.  In writing workshop, students will type the final drafts of their personal essays.

This week in math, we will begin Topic 9: Fractions. First, we will use plastic fraction pieces to explore what we notice about fractions and what that makes us think. We will discuss the meaning of a fraction, how to divide a whole into parts, and we will explore mixed numbers and improper fractions. There will be a timed facts test on Tuesday.

In science we will begin the week with a trip to the Shedd Aquarium. Students will be paying special attention to animal adaptation and camouflaging animals. Back at school, students will watch the film March of the Penguins: a look at the annual journey of Emperor penguins as they march to their traditional breeding ground. Students will also take a penguin quiz.

Field Trip Next Monday!

Hello!  As I mentioned last week, we will be taking a field trip to the Shedd Aquarium next Monday, December 19th.  The field trip slips were supposed to go out last Friday, but will be coming home this Monday, December 12th without a doubt!  I applied for a grant provided by Target and the Shedd Aquarium so our total cost for the trip is $0.  Pretty amazing!  Thank you Target and Shedd!


Please notice below that we will be starting our One Book, One Pershing West selection this week:  Ninth Ward.  It's an amazing book.  I hope you read along with us!  Have a good week:

In Word Work, we will finish GUM Book Unit 3. Students will take a test this week on the concepts in this unit. In writing workshop, students will write the body of their essays based on personal experience. We will discuss revising and revisiting our thesis statements as we write our essays. In literature study, we will begin the novel Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Here’s a synopsis: Twelve-year-old Lanesha lives in a tight-knit community in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. She doesn't have a fancy house like her uptown family or lots of friends like the other kids on her street. But what she does have is Mama Ya-Ya, her fiercely loving caretaker, wise in the ways of the world and able to predict the future. So when Mama Ya-Ya's visions show a powerful hurricane — Katrina — fast approaching, it's up to Lanesha to call upon the hope and strength Mama Ya-Ya has given her to help them both survive the storm. We will be discussing relationships between characters as well as visualization strategies that will make the text come alive in our minds. I highly encourage you to read along. This is a novel the whole school will be reading and discussing.

This week in math we will be reviewing Topic 13 and taking a test. Items that students should know for the test include: How to find the surface area of a net of a rectangular prism (find the area of each face and add them together), How to find area of a rectangle (a=length x width), How to find area of a triangle (a=1/2 x base x height), How to find the volume of a rectangular prism (volume=length x width x height), How to identify a triangular prism, pyramid, cone, rectangular prism, or cylinder, How to visually fold a net into a cube, How to find area of an irregular shape (break it into two regular shapes, then add the areas together), and How to find the volume of an irregular solid (break it into two regular solids, then add the volumes.)

In science this week, students will continue our discussion on the following focus question: There are more whales in Antarctica in December, January, and February. How might this affect the penguins in Antarctica? Students will analyze the data we collected and graphed last week. Then, students will explore more penguin adaptations, while drawing and labeling a penguin.

What Do You Know About Penguins?

We've been learning a lot about pengiuns in science.  Ask your child about the two experiments we did last week.  In a couple of weeks, we will be taking a field trip to the Shedd Aquarium to observe the penguins, as well as some of the other animals.  Look out for a field trip slip coming home some time this week!  What else are we learning this week or 12-5-11, you ask?  Read below to find out.

In Word Work, students will continue Unit 3 in their GUM Book. They will be learning to distinguish the difference between that, which, and who, among other grammar and usage topics.



In literature study, students will use the computer lab to type up our Heal the World essays. They will also do some background reading for the novel The Ninth Ward. We will also have a visit from PEPSICO who will be doing activities with students during our literacy period on Tuesday. We will continue to learn about main idea and detail.


In writing workshop last week, students came up with ideas for thesis statements for their essays. This week we will be analyzing their thesis statements to see if we can shape them to be just right. Then, students will be working on coming up with ideas to support their thesis statements by completing a graphic organizer that will help them organize their ideas. We will read another essay as an example of what students’ work should look like.


Students will begin Topic 13: Solids in math. This week we will how to find the surface area of a solid. Then, students will look at arrangements of cubes and draw diagrams of the top side and front views to help their understanding of 3-D shapes and volume. Students will build a rectangular prism and find the volume. Finally, students will model how to break a shape into its parts to find the area of the shape.


In science this week, students will learn more about penguin survival as we study the following two focus questions: What would you do if you were a baby penguin and you had to find your mother among thousands of birds that looked alike? and There are more whales in Antarctica in December, January, and February. How might this affect the penguins in Antarctica?

Have a good week!

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving holiday!  Here's what we will be working on this week, the week of 11-28-11:

In Word Work, we will be starting GUM book, Unit 3: Usage. Students will practice distinguishing the difference between words like there, their, and they’re, it’s and its, and more.


In literature study, students will continue to read “Three Cups of Tea” and reflect upon the text. Students groups will also keep working on their “Heal the World” projects. Students have formed groups of 3-5 people and have a diverse array of projects including campaigning for money, creating a website, writing speeches, letters, raps, books, and posters.

In writing workshop, students will continue to generate ideas for an essay by observing the world around them and by drawing conclusions based on their observations. Then, we will read an essay and determine how the student organized it. Students will learn how to push themselves to write more. Finally, we will try to create our own thesis statements for our own essays.

This week in math we will learn how to find circumference of a circle. Next, we will work on problem solving. Then, we will review the concepts of Topic 12 including perimeter and area and students will take the Topic 12 test.

In science this week, students will learn about Antarctica and penguins. Students will understand how the angle of the sun hitting the Earth makes certain places colder or hotter than other places. They will investigate how penguins can stay warm in such a cold environment. Students will also explore how penguins are able to keep their eggs warm in the same environment. In Word Work, we will be starting GUM book, Unit 3: Usage. Students will practice distinguishing the difference between words like there, their, and they’re, it’s and its, and more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we enter another short week, I'd like to take a moment and wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!  Here's what we'll be learning this week:

In Word Work, we will work on Unit 2, Lesson 4. This will be a review of all of our movement words. Students will have a final unit test on Wednesday. In literature study, students will continue to read “Three Cups of Tea” and reflect upon the text. Students groups will also keep working on their “Heal the World” projects. Students have formed groups of 3-5 people and have a diverse array of projects including campaigning for money, creating a website, writing speeches, letters, raps, books, and posters. In writing workshop, students will continue to generate ideas for an essay by observing the world around them and by drawing conclusions based on their observations.

In math, students will learn how to find the area of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, and triangles.

In science this week, students will learn about the lifecycles of amphibians.

See You Wednesday!

I look forward to meeting with all of you on Wednesday for Report Card Pick-Up.  Don't forget that there is no school for students on Friday.  Here's what we'll be working on this week (11-14-11):

In Word Work, we will work on Unit 2, Lesson 3 in the Word Wisdom book. We will continue to study vocabulary related to movement. This week we will work on Reference Skills.

In literature study, students will continue to work on the skill of identifying author’s purpose and author’s point of view as we read “Three Cups of Tea.” This is a fascinating book that tells the story of how Greg Mortenson worked to open over sixty schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  I encourage you to read this uplifting book along with your child.  We will also start our “Heal the World” project. This project is an opportunity for students to do something that will benefit the children we are reading about in “Three Cups of Tea.”

In writing workshop, students will learn how to generate ideas for an essay by observing the world around them and by drawing conclusions based on their observations.

In math we will begin the week with a new topic, Topic 12, “Perimeter and Area.” Students will measure lengths using both customary and metric units. They will also practice finding the perimeter of different shapes.

In science this week, students will learn about the lifecycles of reptiles, birds, and more.

Edible Cells

We have been learning about cells in science class.  Last week, students created edible versions of the animal cell highlighting the nucleus, cell membrane, cytoplasm, mitochondria, and vacuoles.  Here is an example of one of them.  Check out our bulletin board for the rest!

Here's what we'll be learning this week:  In Word Work, we will work on Unit 2, Lesson 2 in the Word Wisdom book. We will continue to study vocabulary related to movement. This week we will work on the Latin Roots of the words. We will focus on the roots act and agi which mean to do ar act; tract which means to pull; and ten, tin, and tain which mean to hold. In literature study, students will focus on the skill of identifying author’s purpose and author’s point of view. We will begin building background knowledge for the novel “Three Cups of Tea” and we will work on a dramatization of the picture book that tells the same story, “Listen to the Wind.” Students will write the final draft of their expository paragraph. We will compile them in a book with chapters, classifying the different topics that students wrote about.

This week in math, students will review the concepts of Topic 8 including how to classify polygons, how to identify properties of polygons, how to make generalizations about polygons, how to read and draw angles as well as find the value of a missing angle. Students should also understand terminology related to lines, line segments and rays including the terms parallel, perpendicular, and intersecting.

In science this week, students will take a test on the parts of the cell. Then, they will compare the lifecycle of two animals we have in our classroom, fish and butterflies. We will observe these animals.

Common Core Testing This Week

Hello, everyone!  This week our class will be busy with Common Core testing.  Common Core Standards are the new standards being adopted in Illinois to guide our learning. This testing will happen three times this year.  If you'd like more information about these standards please go here:  http://www.corestandards.org/the-standards

Please see below for what we will be working on during this Halloween week of 10-31-11:

In Word Work, we will begin Word Wisdom Unit 2: Movement. We will focus on using context clues to determine the meanings of words this week. In literature study, we will still be discussing story structure (problem, rising action, climax, and resolution.) We will finish reading The Day the Fifth Grade Disappeared by Terri Fields and students will finish their plot diagrams of the story. Students will also be taking the Common Core multiple choice reading comprehension test and the constructed response reading test this week. Last week in writing workshop, we worked a lot on how to craft a good topic sentence for an expository paragraph. Students will be writing and revising these paragraphs this week.


This week we will finish working on Topic 8 which deals with basic geometric ideas such as measuring and classifying angles, polygons, triangles and quadrilaterals. We will also be doing Common Core testing for math during two of our math periods this week. Our Topic 8 math review and test will not be until next week.

In science this week, students will create their edible animal cells. Their cells must have something to represent the cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, vacuoles, and mitochondria. Students must label the pieces using toothpicks and stickers. They must also draw a labeled picture of their edible cell, telling what the function of each organelle is.

Happy Halloween!

Love, Mrs. Vera

No School Friday

Thank you to Mrs. Dancy for this picture from our outing to the Museum of Science and Industry a couple of weeks ago.  If anyone else has pictures from school events (or if you would like to volunteer to take pictures of our daily activities), please feel free to help out.

Please remember that there is no school for students this Friday.  Here's what we are up to this week of 10-24-11:

In Word Work, we will finish GUM Book Unit 1 and take a test to see what students learned.

In literature study, we will be discussing story structure (problem, rising action, climax, and resolution.) We will start reading The Day the Fifth Grade Disappeared by Terri Fields.

In writing workshop, we will work on writing expository paragraphs in order to prepare for writing expository essays. For now, we will concentrate on developing one paragraph using linking phrases and precise language related to the topic.

This week in math, students will identify, compare, and analyze attributes of two- and three-dimensional shapes and develop vocabulary to describe attributes. They will classify two- and three-dimensional shapes according to their properties. Finally, they will predict the results of composing or decomposing shapes or figures.

In science this week, students will think about how a city and its parts can be an analogy for a cell and its organelles. Then they will continue this kind of thinking for their homework assignment. Later in the week, students will meet in groups and plan their materials needed in order to make an edible cell next week.

Have a great week!

Fall is Here

Well, the cooler fall weather is moving in, and we're really moving in the classroom.  Read below to see everything we are up to this week, the week of 10-17-11:

In Word Work, we will continue working in the GUM Book.


In literature study, we will be working on our Bud, Not Buddy / Great Depression Inquiry projects. Students will learn how to write an editorial. They will also see examples of the different kinds of paragraphs they need to prepare for the project. In addition, they will learn how to write a bibliography and they will learn how to paraphrase material instead of copying directly from a book or website.

In writing workshop, we will finish our personal narratives. We will discuss how to make sure the stories tell more than just a recounting of events by talking about what students are really trying to say about the people and situation in their story. What’s really at the heart of the tale? Students will also have a chance to peer edit and work on their final drafts.

This week in math, students will use exponential notation. They will use diagrams and write equations to solve problems. There will be a Topic 3 Math Test on Wednesday. Later in the week, we will do two lessons in Topic 4 that deal with factors, prime numbers, and composite numbers. In those lessons, students will use divisibility rules to determine if a number is divisible by another and to find factor pairs of a given number. They will also identify numbers as prime or composite and find the prime factorization of a number.

Have a terrific week!
Mrs. Vera

Four Day Week

We had a great time on our field trip on Friday.  Thanks to all of the parents who lent a helping hand that day!  Here's what we're up to for the week of 10-11-11:

In word work this week, we will begin GUM Book Unit 1 (GUMGrammar, Usage, and Mechanics.)
In literature study, we will be focusing on the skill of determining FACTS and OPINIONS while finishing Bud, Not Buddy. We will also read more about the Great Depression and discuss the rubric for our inquiry project.

In writing workshop, we will continue working on our personal narratives. We will work on showing, not telling; using small actions and inner thoughts; and writing strong leads.
This week in math, students will use rounding and compatible numbers to estimate products. Then, we will multiply one digit numbers, then 2-digit by 2-digit numbers, and finally 2-digits by more than 2-digit numbers.

Students will continue to practice using a microscope and making careful, detailed observations. They will look at different forms of printed materials and observe how the pictures are created by a series of small dots. Students will continue to develop their ability to focus the microscope, change the light, and find the correct field of view. Students will also learn about pointillism, also created by using small dots. They will create their own painting in this style.

MSI Field Trip Friday

We are looking forward to our field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry on Friday.  We will be leaving school at 9:00 am and returning around 2:00 pm.  Students should wear their PE Uniforms and pack a bag lunch.  We won't be buying food for lunch, but students may bring money for the gift shop, if they desire.  Students are responsible for their own money and belongings.  We know this will be a fun and educational trip!  Students will have a post-trip assignment to help process what they learned.  Here's what we'll be working on the rest of the week of 10-3-11:

In Word Wisdom, we will work on Unit 1: Part 4this week. Students will have their cumulative Unit 1 Test on Friday.


In literature study, we will be focusing on the skill of questioning while reading Bud, Not Buddy. We will discuss how to read with a question in mind; stop, think, and record your questions as you read; make notes when you find information; and check your understanding and ask questions to clarify. We will also start crafting focus questions for our Great Depression Inquiry Project.

In writing workshop, we will continue working on our personal narratives. Students will learn how to incorporate details into their writing. They will also review the skill of “showing, not telling.”

This week in math, we will review all lessons in Topic 2 and take a Topic 2 test. Then, we will begin Topic 3: Multiplication with Whole Numbers. Students will review different properties of multiplication such as the commutative and associative property. Then, we will go over some mental math strategies that will help them with multiplication by 10s, 100s, and 1000s.

In Science, students will take a quiz on the parts of a microscope and on the concepts of magnification that we have covered, thus far. For our first lesson, students will place a piece of microfiche between two slides, examine it under the microscope, and describe what they see. Check out the two new Virtual Microscope links below!  Then, we will create an ethogram to observe our fish and try to answer some questions we have about what is happening in the tank. 

Monday: OPEN HOUSE! Tuesday / Thursday: SCANTRON TESTING!

Hello!  Don't forget that Open House is this Monday, September 26th from 5:00-7:00 pm.  We'll be meeting in the auditorium and in our classroom.  I really hope you will be able to attend!  At 6:30 pm you will also have the opportunity to sign up for after school programs.

Our class will be taking the Scantron Reading Test on Tuesday and the Scantron Math Test on Thursday.  If you'd like to know more about these, please let me know! Here's what we are learning this week:

In Word Wisdom, we will work on Unit 1: Part 2 this week. Students will have their post-test on Thursday.

In literature study, we will be focusing on cause and effect while reading Bud, Not Buddy.  We will also be thinking about some historical topics that relate to the novel in order to start an inquiry project.

In writing workshop, we will continue collecting ideas for our personal narratives. We will focus on writing about a small moment in time, not on a large topic or event that spans multiple moments. Students will also share their name essays from the weeks before.

This week in math, we will begin the week by reviewing some of the lessons from last week. Then, students will use a place value chart to help add and subtract large numbers. They will also learn how to add and subtract decimals. We will do some more problem-solving this week where students will use multiple steps to solve a variety of problems.

This week in science, students will be learning about microscopes, their parts, and how they work. Students will take a quiz next week on the parts of a microscope and on the concepts of magnification that we have covered, thus far.

Have a fabulous week!
Mrs. Vera

No School Friday, but Lots of Learning This Week!

Just a reminder that there is no school for students this Friday, September 23rd.  Here's what we'll be doing this week, the week of 9-19-11.

Literacy: In Word Wisdom, we will work on Unit 1: Part 2 this week. Students will have their post-test on Thursday. In literature study, we will be focusing on how to set a purpose for reading and make predictions before and during reading. We will apply this to two non-fiction readings at the beginning of the week as we do some background reading for Bud, not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis. Then, we will apply this skill to the book as we begin reading it on Wednesday. In writing workshop, we will begin collecting ideas from our lives for our personal narratives. We will be working on these for the next couple of weeks.


Math: This week in math, we will begin Topic 2: Adding and Subtracting Whole Numbers and Decimals. Students will use properties of addition to calculate sums mentally. They will use a number line to round whole numbers to tens, hundreds, or thousands. They will round to estimate sums and differences. Students will draw a picture or model to help them choose an operation and problem solve.

Science: This week in science, students will use the loupes and hand lenses to further examine objects. They will learn how to use analogies to describe their observations and think about how that might lead them to further conclusions about the objects. Later in the week, students will be testing the properties of different kinds of lenses. They should understand that the more a lens curves, the more it magnifies.

Have a wonderful week!
Mrs. Vera

Back into the Swing of Things!

We had a great week last week and I look forward to another good one this week.  We're quickly getting back into the swing of things!  Here's what we'll be up to in the week of 9-12-11:

In Word Wisdom, we will start Unit 1: Food, which has four parts. Each unit will look like this:

     Week 1 / Part 1: pre-test, study context clues, study 10 words, post-test
     Week 2 / Part 2: pre-test, study Latin Roots, study 10 new words, post-test
     Week 3 / Part 3: pre-test, study reference skills, study 10 new words, post-test
     Week 4 / Part 4: review 30 words and take a post-test on 30 words

      In literature study, we will be practicing how to use text evidence to find character traits in two stories: Eleven by Sandra Cisneros and Thank You, M’am by Langston Hughes.

      In writing workshop, we will work on our name essays.

       This week in math, students will compare and order decimals through the thousandths. Then, we will be wrapping up Topic 1: Numerations. In the last lesson, students will use a grid to determine a place-value pattern. Then, we will review the previous lessons, discuss short response questions and extended response questions in order to prepare for the test. The Topic 1 Test will be on Thursday and it will be 10 multiple choice questions, 1 short response question, and 1 extended response question. Then, we will begin Topic 2: Adding and Subtracting Whole Numbers and Decimals. Students will use properties of addition to calculate sums mentally.

     This week in science, students will practice making detailed observations using both words and sketches to express what they observe. Students will get a list of descriptive adjectives that will help them while describing the observable properties of certain objects. Then, they will use their five senses to describe an edible object the teacher will give them. Next, they will use these same skills to write a diamante poem to describe an object.

Have a good week!
Mrs. Vera

Welcome Back to School!

I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone during our first week back to school!  Here's what we will be learning this week...

For our first week of school in Literacy, students will be learning about our classroom procedures and guidelines. They will also become familiar with the parts of the classroom, including how to use the classroom library. We will be discussing the characters from Sahara Special, paying attention to their names and character traits. Students will think about their own character traits as they write a poem about themselves and fill out a job application. They will be exploring their own names and will begin writing an essay based on what they’ve found out.


This week in Math, students will learn how to read and write numbers in the billions. They will compare and order numbers through the billions using place value. They will represent decimals in a place value chart.

This week in Science students will become familiar with the procedures used in science class. We will discuss the expectations for proper group work, as we will be working in groups everyday. In addition, we will be setting up our formal science journals, making sure that students are organized and ready to take good notes and make thoughtful observations and conclusions. Students will also practice their observation skills by observing and drawing a penny both with their naked eye and with a magnifier.

Have a terrific week!
Mrs. Vera

Have a Wonderful Summer!

Congratulations on making it through another year of school!  I hope you have a wonderful summer.  Relax, recharge yourself, and please remember to find some books you love and read!  Enjoy my poem for you:

A Poem by Mrs. Vera

June 2011
“This is the end, there ain’t no more,”
I borrowed those words, but they’re true to the core

Another year of school is done,
Let’s look back and review the fun!


Madison played Dr. Greg in our play,
Kendall built an Egyptian Game,

Unique had fun building a mummy,
Kyle played basketball when it was sunny

Myles swept up and cleaned the floor,
Jermaine always liked to hold the door

Zane showed off his drawing skills,
Tyler excelled at all math drills


Elizabeth tapped upon the stage,
Iris read tons as she turned the page


Jordyn’s writing was always neat,
Aubrielle knew when to take a seat


Mackenzie helped with the bulletin boards,
Kinnard was successful at the Monarch Awards


De’Jhaye had fun on the governor’s trip,
Zyale built things from pens and clips


An Egyptian pyramid, Marcus did build
When Tasia’s dad came for Career Day, the room was filled


Maya showed off her cheerleading moves,
At the Jacob Lattimore concert, Rayana grooved


Jessica learned plenty at the Freedom Center,
Into the museum, Zoe and her mom did enter


They learned about slavery and some secret codes
They studied the Underground Railroad

Micaela reached her goal of keeping her homework neat,
In science, Lexie showed the difference between sour and sweet


Takiyah helped with breakfast clean up,
Tossing bags, getting rid of juice cups


Mindless Behavior rocked our school,
Amber got a poster, which was really cool

Kayla engaged us with her fiction story,
When the rain came down, we read books that were gory


We listened to Michael Jackson and rocked to the beat,
We ate cold popsicles to beat the heat


When all is over, said, and done
We had an adventurous 5th grade run


As you move on, to a new 6th grade era,
Remember who will always love you, your 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Vera!

We're Almost There!

As school comes rapidly to an end, we have a lot of exciting activities to keep us going!  In addition to what we are working on in the classroom, we will have an assembly this week, a Students-vs-Teachers basketball game and a Students-vs-Teachers Flag Football game.

Students should come in full uniform everyday this week.  The last week of school will be Spirit Week which will be full of opportunities to dress in different ways.

Have a great week!
Mrs. Vera

A Successful Museum Opening!

Here is a photo of our class celebrating a successful Opening Day at the Ancient Egypt Museum!  Thank you to Mr. Hughes, who visited, and thank you to parents who helped support your children with this project.  It was a lot of work, but it was a great experience for the students.  Their hard work really paid off.

Please look out for the June calendar coming home this week.  There are a great deal of special activities this month that students won't want to miss out on.  Have a great week!

This Friday...Come to Our Museum of Ancient Egypt!

We are so excited to present our Ancient Egypt projects to you.  This week, students are carefully planning how to set up our museum so you can visit our room and see what we've created.  Students have tons of terrific ideas to create a welcoming environment...they can't wait for you to come.

When:  Friday, May 27th from 9:30-10:30 am
Where:  Room 121

See you there!

Opening Day at the Museum

This Friday, students will be presenting their artifacts and reports on Ancient Egypt to our class.  We are all very excited to see the final products that students have created.

Next Wednesday, May 25th, parents and other classes will be invited to "Opening Day at the Museum" where we will showcase our projects.  Most likely this will begin around 9:30 am, but we will let you know as it gets closer to the time.

Have a good week,
Mrs. Vera

Ancient Egypt Inquiry Projects

Last week, students worked hard to narrow their focus to one area of Ancient Egypt.  They crafted a focus question to guide them and collected research during class and over the weekend.

There are a number of new links listed below to help students on their research.  Thank you to Ms. Balla for putting this list together.  Please make use of it!
In two weeks we will be presenting projects at "Opening Day at the Museum!"  Check back here next week for more details!

As usual...have a terrific week!

Scantron Testing This Week

Happy May!

This week we will be having our last session of Santron Testing for the year.  The Scantron tests students on their math skills one day and on their reading skills another day.  As you know, these tests are unique because students take them on the computer.  I look forward to seeing how students have grown academically this year!

On another note, we have some special guests coming to visit us from the Shedd Aquarium on Wednesday.  Please be sure to ask you child about it.

Finally, starting this week, students will be embarking on a three week adventure about Egypt through reading and writing, as well as learning skills to be a good researcher.  Ms. Balla, our student intern, will be leading this unit. 

Have a terrific week!
Mrs. Vera

Science Fair Friday!

I hope everyone enjoyed their spring break, despite the miserable weather!  Just think...all the rain will make our grass greener and the flowers more beautiful!  That's the way I like to think about it.

Please join us for the 4th and 5th Grade Science Fair this Friday, April 29th from 9:15 am - 10:00 am.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Have a terrific week!

Spring Break Next Week!

As we look forward to our break, we will continue work on three things that students will be finishing over the break:  Island of the Blue Dolphins, the Science Fair Project, and the first completed draft (not the final draft) of the persuasive essay.  We will be using a lot of our class time this week to work on these projects so students are not loaded down over spring break.  Students should also use their homework time wisely this week to work on these assignments.  (Details of the Science Project are posted on the "Science Room 119" tab in purple.)  (Details of how the persuasive essay will be graded are posted on the "Homework" tab for this week in purple.)

For those of you attending the Ohio Trip, we are so happy you will be joining us.  This really is a unique opportunity.  Check out the link below for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to visit their website.  We will be sending more information home this week about our itinerary.  The bus will leave at 6:00 am on Friday morning, so students should plan on arriving at 5:30 am so we can load the bus and be ready to leave.  We will leave promptly at 6:00 am and not wait for any late-comers.

Have a terrific week!

The Ohio Trip!

This Monday, field trip slips will be sent home for our annual trip to The National Underground Railroad Museum in Cinncinati, Ohio.  This is a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn more about the Underground Railroad and enjoy a unique field trip experience.

The spots are limited since the bus will only hold 53 passengers, so the first people to submit their money and slip will be those who will attend.  The cost of the trip is $60 per student.  Most of the money goes towards the cost of the coach bus, and some towards the entrance to the museum.

We are looking for 7 parents to attend.  The price for parents is also $60.  We understand the high cost, but know that you will find it to be a rewarding experience.  Again, your help is what makes this trip possible and we greatly appreciate it.

See you at Report Card Pick-Up on Wednesday.  Your exact conference time will be sent home on Monday with your child.

Have a great week!

Report Card Pick-up Next Week

Hello!  This week is the final week of third quarter.  If students have any corrections or make-up work, they should be turned in by Tuesday. 

Papers should be sent home this week so you can request your time for report card pick-up on Wednesday, April 6th.  If you would like to ask for a specific time (rather than a block of time), please write that down on the slip.  If the time is still available, it's all yours!  The late appointments fill up quickly, so please send you slip back if you would like a later appointment.

Have a terrific week!
Mrs. Vera

Current Events

One way to enrich your child's learning is to discuss current events.  A couple of weeks ago in class, we read about the events in Egypt.  We also discussed the situation in Libya.  This week we will be learning about nuclear energy and the present situation that is affecting people in Japan and around the world.  Students have also had two assignments where they have had to read, write about, and bring in an article about these events.

I encourage you to read the paper and listen to the radio with your children to discuss the importance of things happening around the world and in our own communities.  They have plenty to say about what is going on!

Have a great week!
Mrs. Vera

ISAT is Here!

ISAT is finally here!  5th graders will be taking 3 sessions of reading and 3 sessions of math. 

Tuesday 3/8 Reading Session 1
Wednesday 3/9 Math Session 1
Thursday 3/10 Reading Session 2
Friday 3/11 Math Session 2
Monday 3/14 Reading Session 3
Tuesday 3/15 Math Session 3

Please remember to have your child at school on time with a nutrious and filling breakfast in their tummies.  It will help them concentrate and do their best.  Thank you for your support.

Reminders

Progress reports will be coming out the following week.  That means if students have any missing work or corrections to make, they need to be in by Wednesday if they want to make sure they count towards their progress report grades.

There will be no school next Monday. 

Don't forget that the ISATs are next week!  We will be reviewing some helpful test taking strategies in class this week.  At home you can help by making sure students have a good night sleep, eat breakfast, and arrive at school on-time each day that the testing takes place (six days for our class.)

Have a good week!

Study Island

Thank you to those of you who came to the Pershing West Talent Show on Saturday night.  One of our own, Amber, sang for the crowd.  Congratulations, Amber!  On Tuesday, 2-22-11, our school will be having an African American Heritage Assembly at 9:30 am.  Please feel free to join us as we watch other classes perform.

Please remember to have your children log on to http://www.studyisland.com/.  Students can review lessons on topics that will be on the ISAT, play games, and answer questions to enrich their knowledge.  In our classroom, two students take turns everyday to get on our computers during independent reading time and math independent work time to work on Study Island.  In addition, we spent part of last Friday afternoon in the media lab working on Study Island.  This week, the whole class will venture again to the media center to log on and have some fun while learning.  Students have been given their usernames and passwords, but if you are still in need of it, please e-mail me at svera@cps.edu.

Happy Valentine's Day!

As we work our way through this cold and snowy winter, let's pause to think about the people we love and the people that love us.  Happy Valentine's Day!


Students wrote some very heartwarming essays about their dads and father-figures last week.  The comments that parents wrote back were also touching.  Taking time to write about who and what we appreciate is so important.


Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Mrs. Vera

Mississippi Trial 1955

This week we will begin reading the novel Mississippi Trial 1955.  It is important to understand that this is a novel based on the murder of Emmett Till. There are some strong scenes in the book based on what happened in the past. There is also some strong language in parts. It is a well written book that teaches about important historical events. This novel addresses themes such as prejudice, family reconciliation, and seeing things through new eyes. Please feel free to read the book along with your child and discuss these valuable themes with them.


Here is a summary of the book: "Sixteen-year-old Hiram hasn't been to his beloved town of Greenwood, Mississippi since he was a small child. He used to live there with his grandfather before his father uprooted him from his home to live in Arizona. But when he comes back, things aren't exactly the way Hiram remembers them to be. He crosses paths with Emmett Till, a fourteen-year-old African-American boy from Chicago.

A few nights later, R.C., an old "friend" of Hiram's pays him a visit to tell him about Emmett Till whistling at a white woman in public and how he needs to be "taught a lesson." Hiram is worried for Emmett, but then, the boy goes missing and a few days later, his body is found in the river. Two of the four murderers are caught and put on trial (three men and one woman picked Emmett up the night of his murder) and Hiram has a strong suspicion that R.C. was the third male killer.

During the trial, the two murderers aren't seen as guilty, but Hiram still struggles with whether to turn R.C. into the authorities or not because of his suspicion. He is determined to find out who the others are who murdered Emmett, but when he finds out exactly who it was who killed the boy, it makes him think twice about how 'beloved' Greenwood really is. "

Welcome to Third Quarter!

Monday is a fresh start and a new opportunity for students to reach for their goals and put forth their best efforts this quarter.  Please be reminded that second quarter report cards will be sent home on Wednesday. 

Also, let's extend a warm welcome to our new student teacher, Ms. Balla, who begins this week.

Have a great week!

End of Second Quarter

This week marks the last week of second quarter.  If students have any missing work, late work, or corrections to make, they must be turned in by Tuesday.  Grades will be finalized this week and report cards will come out next week.  Please check Parent Portal and e-mail me with any concerns you may have.

Congratulations go out to the winners of our classroom spelling bee Kinnard and Zane.  They competed in the schoolwide spelling bee last week.  Good job, boys!

We welcomed a new student to our class this month.  Welcome, De'Jhaye!

More changes are coming as we welcome another new face, our new student teacher, Ms. Balla.  Students had the opportunity to meet her last Friday while she was observing in our classroom.  She will begin "full time" (four days a week) on Monday, January 31st.  Ms. Balla comes to us through the Urban Teacher Education Program at University of Chicago, just like Ms. Olson, and will be with us until the end of May.

Stay warm and have a great week!

ISAT Practice Website

Please note the new link below to the Interactive ISAT Practice Questions.  This tool is located on the Illinois State Board of Education Website.  It gives students practice questions at their grade level and the subject areas in which they will be tested.  Please use this to help your child familiarize themself with the multiple choice layout of the test, as well as the types of questions that will be asked.

If you have any further questions about preparing for ISAT, please let me know.  I hope you have been attending the Saturday "Rock the ISAT" sessions that Ms. Watkins has been providing.  This will also help your child gain an advantage come testing day!

Scantron Testing This Week

I hope you had a restful weekend.  This Wednesday afternoon, our class will be taking our Reading Scantron Test in the media center.  We will take the Math Test on Thursday.  Please make sure your child has a calulator on that day, and everyday in class.

Scantron Testing is new to Pershing West this year.  We take it three times a year and it helps us assess where the students are at and where they need to go.  We use this information in planning our lessons, especially in small guided reading groups in my classroom.  It has replaced the old Benchmark tests students took three times a year. 

The Scantron is unique because students take it on a computer.  If they answer a question right, the computer continues to give them harder and harder questions to determine how high they can go while still being successful.  If the students answer questions incorrectly, it will give them an easier one to help determine what level they are at.

Please let me know if you have any additional questions about the Scantron Testing!

Have a great week and please feel free to join our school for our Dr. King Assembly on Friday at 1:00 pm!

Happy New Year!

Two weeks have come and gone and now it is time to get back to work!  January will be a busy month as we do Scantron Testing in Reading and Math and continue to prepare for the ISAT test which will be in two short months.  Of course, we will also be busy reading, writing fiction, adding and subtracting fractions, building pulley systems and more!

Remember to look out for Progress Reports this Wednesday.  Sign them and send the bottom portion back!

A special thanks to everyone who donated to our Pennies for Peace Campaign!  We ended up raising $132.97...not bad for mostly pennies!

Best wishes for a wonderful 2011!